Elect in the Son

by Robert Shank

"Through the years, I have read carefully every serious work on the question of election...I found no work that addressed itself to the question in this thorough, objective, competent manner or afforded such satisfactory, obviously Biblical constructions.... I have every confidence that time will prove this to be the definitive work on the difficult question of election."--from the Introduction by Dr. William W. Adams of the Southern Baptist Theological SeminaryIn this comprehensive treatment of all pertinent Scripture passages dealing with election, Dr. Shank demonstrates that Calvin's doctrine of the unconditional election and the reprobation of particular people is without foundation in the Scriptures. He challenges the use of certain "proof passages" and shows that their application in this manner requires circumventing some of the most explicitly categorical affirmations of Scripture.Dr. Shank demonstrates that the election of grace does not rule out the salvation of any man, that God truly wills all men to be saved. The cross is seen as the focal point of election and the event in which time and eternity find their true perspective.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Religion, Biblical Studies

242 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[D. Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume was written as a companion volume for Shanks earlier work, Life in the Son, which defends the view that true believers can fall away.

Shank’s treatment of election is thorough and well-researched, as he interacts extensively with Calvin, Berkouwer and other Reformed writers. Of the three major views of election; Calvinist (unconditional particular election), Arminian (election based on God’s foreseeing faith) and class election (God chooses the Church as a category unconditionally, but chooses individuals to populate the Church conditionally), Shank defends class election.

While many of his arguments are strong, he fails to deal adequately with the fact that his system places man above God as the ultimate determiner of his destiny. In a few places Shank misunderstands or caricatures Calvin, but mostly his representation of Calvin is helpful as he quotes him at length.

[Jason Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong answer to the Calvinist doctrine of election. While the book doesn’t examine the nature of predestination itself so much it does provide a lot of back up to show that limited atonement is flawed. I still have the opposite view to properly examine though.

[Logan Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shank is far too wordy and sucks up too many pages with extensive quotes from Calvin and others. But with that said, his treatment of Calvin's theology is excellent and his arguments against Reformed theology are stalwart. Very, very helpful book.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you see me on a fence, don't worry. I'm just trying to decide how I feel about predestination. The first time I heard about this doctrine, I could hardly be called a Christian. I was invited to a Calvinist church by a coworker, and I was appalled by the idea that some might be locked out of heaven. Years later, I read a book called "Sinners in the Hands of a Good God". For at least 10 minutes afterward, I was a Calvinist. Then I'd read Bible passages like John 3:16, and I was back to the Arminianist mind-set. Now I'm going to a Calvinist seminary!

Robert Shank Reminds me why I can't go whole hog with Calvin. There are too many problematic passages in the Bible that talk about free will, an open call to Christ, and the responsibility of the sinner.

Most fascinating is his thesis that election refers to Jesus. Individuals are not elect, but they participate in election by virtue of being in Christ. Shank argues that we should consider this a corporate thing. Any Calvinists with a response?

[Levi Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

The arguments in this book are not flawless, nor is the author himself someone I wholeheartedly agree with, but this book was revolutionary in shaping my understanding of the issue of election from both sides. It does not present emotional arguments or attack the character of it's opponents. It merely presents the biblical text and argues the case. One of the strengths this book has (that some would deem weakness) is that he extensively quotes Reformed theologians (mainly Calvin, Berkouwer and Murray) and interacts with the statements of those men rather than create straw men to battle with.

This is not the only approach to this argument, but for various purposes this is a good one. Worth a read for sure.

[Timothy Fluegge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fairly well disappointed with this book. For starters, the author falls woefully short on the doctrine of eternal security. Secondly, he spends too much time quoting and refuting Calvin and other such theologians. Half the book, it seems, is filled with quotations. I would rather an author devote his time and space to the articulation of his own convictions, as opposed to clashing literary swords with men long since gone on to their rewards. The title is the most lucid expression of his conviction that Shank was able to muster. It is possible that a second reading would yield more insight at which time I shall be more than happy to revise my opinion.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very biblical approach in seeking to show an Armenian view of election. This is a must read for those seeking to understand the Armenian view of Romans 9-11. Shank argues throughout with Calvin, Berkeuower and John Murray concering their understanding of many facets of Calvinsim and election. This book is for the serious student of the Scriptures and theology.

[Robert II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Shank's work is a "must read" for anyone concerned with the teachings of Calvinism/determinism.

[Chad Duke · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible indeed